COVID-19’s Impact on Dive Communities Across the World
The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting everyone, everywhere in the world. However it’s impact varies depending on where you are in the world. Some countries like Taiwan and New Zealand are now enjoying some semblance or normalcy because they had effective measures against the coronavirus.
However, it should be stated that COVID-19 has crippled much of the world’s tourism industry. Businesses are struggling to stay afloat and a staggering number are now unemployed. According to Statista, the global travel and tourism market is predicted to see a loss of 100 million jobs worldwide in 2020.
Dive tourism is one specific segment in the tourism market and the succeeding paragraphs will provide a snapshot of the global pandemic’s impact on dive communities in different parts of the world.
Central America
The resumption of international flights to/from Belize and Honduras paved the way for the reopening of dive resorts on said islands. Tourism activities have also opened up again in Baja Sur and Cozumel in Mexico. Scuba divers from far and wide can now swim with the sea lions at Isla San Pedro or get up close and personal with hammerhead sharks.
Brazil, a popular destination for wreck divers, has placed restrictions on scuba diving activities. Although dive sites are said to reopen in later part of this year.
Asia
Wuhan Diving, a PADI dive shop in the epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic, resumed operations earlier this month. Employees and customers alike need to provide negative coronavirus tests.
Diving restrictions vary in different parts of Indonesia and the Philippines. Meanwhile, diving spots in Malaysia and Thailand have been open since June and July respectively.
New Zealand and Australia
Scuba diving activities have reopened in May and June respectively but only to locals or current residents. Foreigners still not allowed to travel into the country.
Europe
Restrictions vary in different parts of Spain so you’ll have to do a few more checks if you’re planning a trip to Costa del Sol in October.
Scuba diving is allowed in Norway, but with some limitations on class size/pool groups may apply - check with your PADI centre for details. Scuba diving has reopened in Mediterrean spots in Greece and Cyprus.
Finally, diving in Ireland has resumed since July but travelling to/from the country is still not allowed.
